Chase's First Lovey

One suggestion I found for improving a child's sleep is introducing a lovey, you know something they attach to so they aren't so lonely when you are not around. Before Chase was born I bought an item for this purpose, the cutest little lambie blanket (although it is only 1 ft x 1ft, so not really a blanket). I was hoping he would attach to it because it is small so it would be easy to tote around, it is also very precious and soft. However, Chase had other ideas. He has formed a sweet attachment to his sleeping blanket, one that my Aunt Christy handmade just for him. He does sleep with it every night, which explain why he likes it so much. It is made from the softest yarn and he loves poking his fingers thru the holes and playing with the fringe. Last night I went to move him (he was sleeping in our bed, and I had no room) and found he had a firm grasp on a handful of fringe. It is quite cute to see him loving on this blanket. So we have decided to nurture his blanket as his lovey, maybe it will help- I am willing to try anything.

New Video- one of Ryan and Chase splashing in the tub and the other of Chase coloring (our new favorite activity)

http://www.dropshots.com/day.php?userid=218922&cdate=20070228&ctime=073920

My Two Front Teeth

Here we go again. My poor little guy has been struggling to get in those huge top front teeth. The bottoms were nothing compared to the tops. His mouth is like a faucet turned on full blast with saliva, and if we don't bib and wipe him he will be totally soaked in a matter or minutes. He has also developed a stuffy nose, we aren't sure whether it is a cold or just the teething. For those of you who don't have kids yet let me give you a scenario that explains why parents fear sickness so much- baby gets stuffy nose, baby can breath thru nose- can eat and can't sleep, baby can't eat- cries, baby can't sleep- cries, mommy can't sleep-cries, mommy can't take baby crying- cries, mommy tries to clear nose with saline and sucker- baby screams bloody murder, daddy watches- has no idea how to help? Do you get the picture? Not to mention how a stuffy nose causes gagging which leads to lots of episodes of throwing up (I did 6 loads of laundry in 3 days). This has been a summary of our life about every 3 hours for the past 4-5 days, with quickly passing moments of normalcy. Thankfully, Ryan had Friday off and was a huge help. He even came home early after a pathetic phone call we made when our attempts at an afternoon nap failed and Chase and I were completely wiped out. Having Daddy home makes everything better! We have a busy week ahead of us including a visit with my friend who just delivered a baby girl, hosting an Infant/Child CPR class for my mommy friends here at the house and we have Gymboree.

Weeble Wobble

You thought I was kidding about the hair.

Here is a recent video of Chase practicing his walking skills. He is more of a daredevil everyday. He will stand holding something and just try and let go to walk on his own. He knows it is a bit beyond his ability because he is either cringing waiting for the fall or giggling hysterically. We are exciting about is first steps, I am sure they are not to far away.

http://www.dropshots.com/day.php?userid=218922&cdate=20070220&ctime=054243

Help!!

The universe has aligned the moons against us. In a nut shell- Chase is cutting two huge upper teeth, he is not sleeping well, Ryan has been working late and all day Sunday, and it has been cold and snowy. Needless to say, we have been struggling to stay sane these past few days. As the day drags on and all living room toys have been played with and then played with again we move into the kitchen where much territory has yet to be discovered. That particular pot and spoon kept us busy for a good 30 minutes- thankfully! Chase was so funny, he would be stirring his "soup" yelling at the pot and making that wild face- go figure??

It's a Hairy Situation

Now that Chase's hair has really started to grow out it has been a source of entertainment. We have styled it a few times with gel to see how crazy it can get (moms with daughters play with bows and ribbons, gel is all us moms with boys have). It is a bit curly/wavy, which makes it down right unruly. I have developed a whole process for taming it in the morning which starts with hand wetting, combing, towel drying and then finally finger styling but then with every sweaty headed nap it is wild again, not to mention how his hat mats it straight down (at least it doesn't stand straight up :)

We are having a relaxing week and if the snow storm does imprison us tonight we have gym class and a playdate planned for later in the week. Chase is still mostly just crawling and pulling up. He doesn't have the balance he needs to progress to walking solo. We think he is getting in at least 2 more teeth (on top). His bottom gums have been changing as well so maybe he will get in two more bottom teeth around the same time.

We have been playing with more food lately- testing out some table food. Chase loves it, he becomes a stalker when ever someone has regular food around him and loves getting to try it out (although he wasn't so into my sandwich bread today). It is fun getting to experience new foods with him.

First Snow!

Here are some pictures of Chase in his first snow!

Our Escape

Sorry I didn't blog last week. Ryan was going to be away on a business trip all week so Chase and I decided to go up to visit my family. We drove most of the way by ourselves and Chase was so good. He only slept for the first hour or so and then we sang songs and I slung various toys back to him. It was only during the last 30 minutes he was itching to get out. We met my mom, sister and kids for breakfast along the way and then Lynee and Kalli finished the ride with us (to provide entertainment). Unfortunately, the weather up there is similar to Antarctica so we weren't able to get out much. Chase did get to play with snow for the very first time! He enjoyed it- he wanted to crawl around. He also practiced crawling up stairs, which he does quite well. He doesn't fully understand the stairs- when I would stand at the top and say "Hi" he would look for me but couldn't figure out that he need to look up.

Kalli practiced her babysitting skills on Chase. She fed him his cereal and did a great job. She even tried to carry him when we went to the mall, of course it didn't take but 2 minutes before her arms were totally fatigued but she tried. Luke loves playing with Chase. Luke got such a kick out of watching Chase drop a toy off of his highchair and then lean way over to look for it.

Needless to say, Chase ended every day at 6 o'clock- totally worn out from all of the excitement and fun. It seems Chase is as smitten with them as they are with him.

New Videos- Chase playing ping pong with Poppy and one of him working hard:)

http://www.dropshots.com/day.php?userid=230491&cdate=20070211&ctime=171104

Watch Me Grow!

Here are some new videos- one is Chase riding his car that Uncle Randy and Aunt Jeannie got him and the other is Chase climbing in his crib.
Enjoy!

http://www.dropshots.com/day.php?userid=218922&cdate=20070201&ctime=055749